Grand Opening of Headcorn Sensory Garden

The Headcorn Sensory Garden will be hosting a grand opening day on 30th March 2024. As a village practice, Headcorn Surgery has had a vision for a safe and inclusive space that can be used by all the Community, local Primary School, local Clubs and patients. The space will not only be for the patients, but also our local wildlife. Parts of the garden are going to be vibrant and sociable, whilst other parts more peaceful. A space where patients can wait for their appointment if the waiting room is too hectic for them; to give children an opportunity to let off steam; or to take five before heading home after a difficult appointment. A place where healthy and happy plants thrive, chosen because they are suitable for local conditions, child and pet safe, contribute to sensory richness, and have value for wildlife. From this concept, bigger aspirations were made for an inclusive space with wheelchair/pushchair access, safe for all ages and abilities, with thought given to people with disabilities and sensory impairments.

Although no funding is available through the NHS for this garden we feel that the Sensory Gardens could prove to be an essential part of a thriving community such as Headcorn. With thanks to Headcorn Parish Council we were fortunate enough to secure a small grant to help ensure the Gardens are accessible to all (Wheelchair friendly paths and funds towards hard landscaping etc) and fencing provided by The Partners at the Surgery in order to give the garden secure boundaries. Beyond that the project relied on the generosity of individuals, groups and local businesses for donations of materials, expertise and most importantly, their time. The Grand Opening is a culmination of the effort of many.

On the afternoon of the Grand Opening, we have plans to host an Easter Egg Hunt for children. We have also invited local businesses to set up a stall selling local arts and crafts. We would like to invite all patients, and their families, to come and visit the Sensory Garden on opening day.

We are also appealing for donations of Easter Eggs for the easter egg hunt.